What better place to study film than in Los Angeles, the creative capital of the world? Close to Hollywood studios, industry connections, and a dynamic entertainment scene, Arizona State University’s (ASU) Sidney Poitier New American Film School is the premium choice for film students.
The Poitier Film School is dedicated to inclusivity and academic excellence — it’s no surprise it’s ranked in the top 50 best film schools in the USA (thewrap.com 2024)!
If you’re ready to apply to this great school now, click the button below!
Here’s why you should get a degree in film at The Poitier Film School in Los Angeles.
Say hello to prestigious Hollywood connections
As part of the renowned Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts, the Poitier Film School operates at the ASU California Center — you’ll study in the heart of downtown Los Angeles near all the action and unparalleled Hollywood connections!
ASU’s established partnerships with LA-based companies and local non-profits offer the chance to network with top studios. You can attend guest speaker events and hear directly from people working in the industry. Or take on an internship and gain valuable work experience in film! Students at The Poitier Film School have interned with leading companies, including:
- 3 Arts
- Amasia Entertainment
- Avenida Studios
- Josephson Entertainment
- Mar Vista Entertainment
- Rain Management
- Resonate Entertainment
- Roddenberry Entertainment
With a film degree from ASU, you’ll be part of the next generation of innovative storytellers — equipped with the creative, technical, and adaptive skills needed to shape the future of film, television, and emerging media. You can choose from two exciting bachelor’s programs:
Hands-on learning and award-winning faculty
At The Poitier Film School, you’ll turn lessons into practical experience. Through experiential learning, you can develop critical thinking skills, build a foundation in filmmaking, and put together an incredible portfolio through project-based learning.
Diving into the past, present, and future of film, your courses will involve exploring all the different aspects of global cinema. In the Film and Media Production program, for instance, you’ll gain real-world experience across every role in a production crew, from sound design and editing to directing for camera and advanced production. This means you get a taste of both the creative and technical sides of filmmaking!
You’ll also learn from some of the best in the business with award-winning industry professionals as your professors. Gain insights into filmmaking best practices right in the classroom — and with small class sizes, you can benefit from more one-on-one time with your professors than students at other national public universities.
ASU’s distinguished faculty includes Peter Murietta, an Emmy Award winner and the Deputy Director of the Sidney Poitier New American Film School; Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra, MacArthur “genius grant” Fellows and Borderlands Studios founders; and Nonny de la Peña, Peabody Award winner and XR pioneer.
Lights, camera, industry-grade facilities
The Sidney Poitier New American Film School’s industry-grade technology and state-of-the-art facilities help you develop the skills you need for a career in film. For instance, Borderlands Studios offers ASU students the chance to work alongside professionals, gain hands-on experience as part of a film crew, and attend screenings and screenplay readings.
The Poitier Film School is also one of the first film schools with Planar Studio’s super high-resolution LED wall and floor screens. This virtual-production technology was invented for the Star Wars show, “The Mandalorian”! Available for students in LA to get their hands on, you’ll learn how to ethically use new technology and leverage technology seen in blockbuster productions.
ASU’s partnerships offer even more opportunities to use Hollywood technology. For instance, the John Hughes Institute, an educational organization led by visual effects producer John Hughes, partnered with ASU and The Third Floor to teach students how to use Unreal Engine for cinematic storytelling. ASU has also partnered with world-leading VR company Dreamscape Immersive to deliver innovative educational experiences.
There are many places for your creativity to thrive at ASU California Center, including a creative media center, editing studios, professional program labs, and special event spaces.
Action-packed Los Angeles
In LA, you’ll join over 140,000 international students and live in the #4 student city in the USA (QS Best Student Cities 2025). There’s a never-ending list of things to do, see, and eat! With Little Tokyo, Koreatown, and Chinatown just a short drive from your classes, you won’t be far from delicious food, unique fashion shops, and vibrant neighborhoods. And who knows, you may even spot a celebrity or two!
As an ASU film student, you can live at Broadway Palace, a modern student housing apartment with skyline views, amenities, and 24/7 security. California Center Broadway and Grand are both just minutes way on foot. There are also several theaters nearby where you can catch a concert, or watch films old and new.
There’s no place like the ASU California Center
Whether you choose to study film at ASU California Center or at ASU’s Tempe campus, Kaplan will support you through the application process. We’ll be there every step of the way as you embark on your international study journey.
Want to explore your future in film? Reach out to us!
